Our goal is to give you the most up-to-date, accurate information about your state DMV's processes. The date you see here reflects the most recent time we've verified this information with your state DMV. When they change something, we do, too!

Replacing a Lost Registration in Tennessee

If your registration documents are missing or your license plates/registration stickers are lost, stolen, or damaged, you should request a replacement through the Tennessee Department of Revenue (DOR) and your local county clerk as soon as possible.

Driving around without your vehicle registration certificate, current license plates stickers, or your license plates may put you at a high risk of getting pulled over and receiving a traffic citation and fines.

On this page you'll find a basic overview of how to request duplicate/replacement license plates and registration cards.

NOTE: If your registration certificate, registration decal, or license plate was stolen, along with requesting a replacement from the Tennessee Department of Revenue (DOR), you should contact your local law enforcement agency to file a police report.

If you have any specific questions about your vehicle registration or license plates, you should contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue (DOR) directly.

Replacing a Lost Vehicle Registration in Tennesse

When it comes to replacing a lost vehicle registration certificate in Tennessee, the application process is fairly simple. You'll typically need to create your own paperwork to obtain a duplicate registration card.

Type a request for a Tennessee duplicate vehicle registration, identifying:

The reason you need a duplicate.

Your license plate number.

Your vehicle identification number (VIN).

The duplicate registration fee is $3. If you need a certified duplicate registration, the cost is $3.50.

The replacement request must be notarized to be processed.

Mail your notarized request and fee to your local county clerk or visit the office in person. You should call your local Tennessee county clerk to check if it requires you to request a duplicate registration in person.

NOTE: Montgomery County residents must fax their request to the county clerk's office and include a credit card number.

Lost License Plates and Decals in TN

On the duplicate application, you'll need to indicate wether your license plates/stickers have been lost, stolen, or damaged. You'll also need to indicate which type of item you need.

On the application, you must include:

The vehicle's current license plate number.

The vehicle's decal number.

Your plate class and issue year.

The vehicle identification number (VIN).

The vehicle's make and year.

Remember that the Tennessee Department of Revenue (DOR) requires all vehicle owners to report lost or stolen license plates/decals to law enforcement. You're also required to record the names of the agency and officer who assisted you.

You'll also need to have the application notarized after you fill it out.

You can submit the notarized application to the address on the application, or you can contact your local county clerk's office for further instructions.

If you wish to keep track of the replacement process, you can call the Tennessee Vehicle Title and Registration Division at (888) 871-3171. If you have any questions about the replacement application or duplicates in general, please contact theTennessee Department of Revenue (DOR).